I am applying for jobs since the day my Level 2 result came out in July, 2012 but till now have received only single interview call. I was thinking maybe I should go for Master’s in Finance programme which would provide me with good job opportunities.

Is it advisable to go for Master’s in Finance programme after studying CFA curriculum for all the 3 levels?? Master’s in Finance programme would cover the same topics as covered by me while studying CFA. I don’t think it would be advisable to study all the same things again.

Can anyone guide me regarding this?? Are there any such courses where one can learn something new and get good opportunities to work?? Is it worth spending time and money doing such a course??

I, Frank Arabia, recommend you watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians starting from season 1 and also watching all of the spin offs. Otherwise, as the seasons go along you won’t understand what is going on.

I wouldn’t bother with an MSF. You aren’t really going to learn anything additional and you would better spend your time studying for L3 and trying to network or secure a job that will help you get fill your work experience requirements.

Are you looking for work in the US or over seas? Do you have any work experience?

Yeah, agree with above. Possibly look at joining a local CFA chapter. Plenty of networking there. If you had only L1 done I might be inclined to possibly recommend an MSF, but no sense now. Unless you got into say MIT or Princeton.

The MSF takes aspects of all three CFA levels, plus some more academic elements, and combines it into a one year degree. Each school presents it in a slightly different way, but with L2 complete I don’t think you will get a proper ROI.

Also, and please take no offense, but I see far too many Indian and Chinese students looking at US masters as a panacea for their employment woes. Unfortunately the US has become a lot less inviting to international students looking for jobs. With the way the financial sector is right now it is hard to get a job without needing sponsorship.

I’m not sure if more school is the way to go. You might fall into the cycle of {cannot find job -> more school -> cannot find job -> more school -> cannot find job…}. Maybe you are not applying to the appropriate sort of jobs.

“America fares quite well when it comes to gender equality […] relative to the rest of the world.” -zidhai

CFA is a waste of time. Sorry to break this out to you so late in the game. The sooner you digest this fact, the easier your miserable life would heed a quick recovery from the trauma (dilemma) you are in.

L3Crucifier, that is not quite a fair statement. Like anything else, the CFA is what you make of it and is only another credential like a college degree. The CFA program has provided education and financial knowledge to thousands of people, even those who only sat for level I and failed. I think it is fair to say that the material in level I is nearly equivalent to the curriculum of a finance undergrad degree. That is worth something in its self. It is true that if you do not plan to work in investment management, the CFA is not worth pursuing and you would be better served choosing a more generalist program like an MBA or MA in management.

Canada is not a good place for immigrant CFAs. I believe we have one of the highest CFAs per capita. Plus, if you’re looking for a front office job, sadly, there are very few immigrants. I personally have seen at most 3.

In addition, you will get zero to no credit for your schooling done in India.

CFA is a waste of time. Sorry to break this out to you so late in the game. The sooner you digest this fact, the easier your miserable life would heed a quick recovery from the trauma (dilemma) you are in.

Yeah, learning new things, being better at your job, additional credentials, more opportunitues. All a waste of time.

Canada is not a good place for immigrant CFAs. I believe we have one of the highest CFAs per capita. Plus, if you’re looking for a front office job, sadly, there are very few immigrants. I personally have seen at most 3.

In addition, you will get zero to no credit for your schooling done in India.

Concerning the CFA per capita fact, wouldn’t that be in Toronto only ? I am in Montreal and not that many poeple have the charter. Then again, considering that english speakers would most likely go to Toronto to get a finance job, you are probably right.

It depends on the reason for beginning the program. If it is only for the letters behind your name, then certainly not finishing would be a waste of time. But if you are doing it to become a better analyst / portfolio manager, then spending time with in the books is not a waste of time regardless of finishing it.

That said, my wife thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown after failing L3 the second time.

It means CFA can mean a job promotion or knowledge gained but less chances of getting a job only on basis of clearing CFA Level 2 Exam. I feel there should be a campus placement program conducted by different CFA Societies around the globe. Major problem experienced by a CFA Candidate is lack of knowledge of good opportunities for which he/she has the necessary skill. Getting placed off-campus is very difficult i.e. applying for jobs on internet or mailing your CV. One needs networking which could be provided by local CFA Society. No offense to anyone as this is my personal point of view.

I think the same would be the case if I move to Canada. I feel that employers will give due regard to CFA charterholder but I need someone to get me to employers.